And The Winner Is.......

We loved reading each of the entries but one stood out for the boyz. I had an idea they would like this one also.

The winner is JEN! Your Daffins Chocolate Covered Pretzels will be on the way shortly. Please email me with your mailing address - mumof3boyz-at-hotmail-dot-com.

The boyz loved her tradition so much that we are going to do it tomorrow at our New Year's Dinner. And then next year we will do it at both of our Christmas's.

Here are the entries that were received.

From Jen:

Our tradition has always been to have Christmas on Christmas Eve with my side of the family. We eat chili and soup and snacky-type foods at my parent's house. Then we open presents. It is a very casual get together.

The funnest part is that we all bring a "white elephant" gift and play a game where we can steal gifts from each other. It is hilarious to see what presents we fight over. (You can't unwrap the gifts until the timer goes off.) There are some nice gifts and some really dorky ones - there are no rules on what goes in the gift pile. It almost always ends up though, that people fight over something the looks nice on the outside of the package and ends up being something goofy like a can of corn or a roll of TP.

There you have it... our redneck Christmas tradition!

From Manda:

Our tradition was as follows: back when I was little & we were really hurting for money (we didn't have a car if that gives you any idea) my mom taped a lot of Christmas movies onto one VHS tape. This was our Christmas Tape. There were grainy lines across the screen, bits missing where the VCR had cut out or where "play" hadn't been hit quickly enough after commercials, etc.

We loved our Christmas Tape, though. My brother & I played it every December, watching one movie per week to make it last until Christmas. Years and years later, when the financial difficulties were a thing of the past, we still watched our Christmas Tape.

From Jean:

We have stockings that my mother has made, starting with my brother and me. She puts little miniatures on them when something important happens in that year.. like a baby when we had kids, a diploma when we graduated, a nurse when I graduated nursing school, an orange when I moved to Florida... you get the picture.. I'm going to post about them..

We also always open one present on Christmas Eve.. now only the kids do it.. and it's always Christmas pajamas.. We have lots of traditions.. they're fun.

From Becca:

Our tradition is that we do cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate every Christmas morning. It is one of those things that we have shared ever since we had our first Christmas together.

We also do one funny Christmas card and one sentimental card. I have no idea how that started but that is something that has stuck with us.

From Vonnie:

At our house my kids have stockings that my mother made for them as babies, we have knephla soup sometime during the hoiday, ( it's a German dish with potatoes, carrots, and dough dumplings), and many other once a year goodies. This yr the kids started something new and it was a hit! All four are grown, 2 married and the younger 2 in college. They and spouses draw names for gift giving.

This year they decided that the gifts have to start with the first letter of our last name, next year the second letter, etc...What a hoot! There was alot of creativity used too! ex: a Super Small Snazzy umbrella for a daughter in law who asked for a purse sized umbrella. It was fun and added a little more thought into gift giving this year.

We had such fun learning about everyone's different traditions and we got a lot of great ideas as well as learned a little more about you.

Thank you all for participating. Although Jen is the big winner, I have a little something for the rest of you also. Please email me with you mailing address when you get a chance.

Hope you are having a wonderful New Years!

Stacy

Christmas Part 2

We are home again. I love that we get to have 2 Christmas's every year. I know many people get to travel to several places on Christmas day or the days surrounding it, but it really feels like we get two Christmas's. I have to admit that I am a little spoiled. Ok, strike that, truth be told, I am a LOT spoiled.

I really wanted an MP3 player. So I got this:

What fun! It does so much besides play songs. I can put video's on it, pictures, it has an FM radio, and it is also a voice recorder. How cool. I have had a blast yesterday and today downloading music on to it.

Teen got some more Lego's which he so enjoys and this T-Shirt:

He loves shirts with funny sayings. And yes he will wear it to school. LOL

Tween wanted some Webkins and got these:

He was thrilled beyond happy with these.

And this about sums up Little S:

I can't wait for school to be back in so I can send him in this shirt.

Hubby wanted a heavy coat for work and a new Steelers Hat which he got. But this gift from my sister was such a crack up:

LOL LOL LOL LOL

The boys also got some games for their systems, clothes and many other things. And Little S got a learning laptop computer.

I got some blouses and many other things.

Can you say S*P*O*I*L*E*D? LOL

I hope that your Christmas was as wonderful as both of mine were. Don't forget about the contest. Tomorrow is the last day for submissions. I only have a few entries right now.

Stacy

Traveling Again

Today after work we are traveling to my Mum's for the weekend. This is another one of our Traditions.

Since my sister and I both live out of town from my Mum, we go for the weekend either right before or right after Christmas. Although it is sad that we can't spend Christmas Day with my family, going for the whole weekend, we get to spend more than just a few hours together.

Here are a few pictures from yesterday:

Yes Teen is 15, but he loves Lego's. So we got him several packages that he had put together in about 2 seconds.

I had never heard of Bakugan until a few days before Christmas, but Tween wanted them so badly and has been having a ball with them.

Little S loves taking a bath and playing in the tub so Santa brought him a soap factory.

I hope that each of you had a lovely holiday.

As far as the prize for the contest we have decided on a bag of Oops from Daffins Candy. If you have never had Daffins candy you have no idea what you are missing. This is the absolute best chocolate in the world. I know there are several of you out there that can attest to that statement.

So get on over to this post (December 24th) and share your favorite Tradition with us. (Mum that means you also)

Stacy

Happy Birthday Jesus!

As you celebrate today, please remember the reason that we have this season!



Luke 2: 10-12

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. "

Merry Christmas to All of You & God Bless you!

From all of us here:

Stacy, Hubby, Teen, Tween & Little S

Happy Christmas Eve! and a Contest!

The stockings were hung by the chim......Um.....On the wall with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.



My mum had these stockings made for each of the boys as they were born. I absolutely love them. Christmas just wouldn't be the same without them. Little S waited all day for Daddy to get home from work to hang them. Does your family have stockings?

A while back Dory asked what our Thanksgiving traditions were. We really didn't have any. But we have several for Christmas. Our stockings are one of them.

Now for our contest answer this:

What are some of the traditions that you and your family share for Christmas?

The winner will be selected by "The Boyz" from all submissions received by December 30th. The winner will be notified here on December 31st. The prize is yet to be determined. Submissions can be by comment or by email (mumof3boyz@hotmail.com). Please leave a link to your blog if you have one.

Stacy

Happy Birthday Little S!

Little S's official birthday was the 17th, but we had his party yesterday. He had a blast.

He loves trains so naturally his cake was Thomas the Tank:

One of his favorite presents was from his "girlfriend" S. S is a Sr at the high school and just adores him as much as he does her. These are two of her Sr pictures.

The funniest part of this is that her real boyfriends name is "S" and they have been dating for about 5 years. I wish I would have gotten a picture of his eye's when he saw her picture. They were seriously as big as saucers. Her picture is now next to his bed.

This is a picture of his other "girlfriend" L. She is also the lifeguard here in the summer and a teacher at the high school.

She also keeps him for us on occasion. He calls them "dates". What a card that kid is! He went with her today to her parents house to see her dad's train room. He told me all about it when he got home.

She brought him a Bob the Builder movie and a new tool box so he can go to work with daddy.

Notice the expression on his face. I swear as soon as he sees the camera he makes silly faces. I can hardly ever get just a picture of him without a silly face. lol

The present he got from us was not the one we had planned to give him. We were at the mall the other day and saw that K*B Toy's had some really good deals so we picked something up for him that we thought he would love.

Well it was in the back of the car. (see where this is going?) He and I were going somewhere the other day and as I got there Laurel and I were on the phone. It was pouring down rain so I parked the car and finished talking to her. As we were sitting there someone started wondering around the car and saw the present. So this is what he got from us:

Again with the silly face.

Last night Tween and Little S and I went to see the play "The Gospel According to Scrooge" at a local church. It was a great production. I was amazed at all of the special effects that they had. It was almost like an off-Broadway production. Scrooge and the Angels (instead of ghosts) flew out of hi bedroom window and into the next set. There was strobe lights, a fog machine, professional lighting and even snow at one point. I am so glad that we were able to go.

Teen didn't go with us as he opted for Cosmic Bowling with some of his friends at the local lanes. It was from 11pm - 2 am. He had a blast. I am glad that one of the kids he went with has been driving for several years now and the weather was clear so he was able to ride with them. Doesn't mean I wasn't nervous, but I have to give him a little leeway at times.

Today was just a lazy kind of day. Laying around and catching up. I have had a cold since I started the new job almost 6 weeks ago. I was off Friday so I have been taking it easy this weekend hoping to get a little better. Now if those sick kids would just stay home, I might get better.

Have a great week!

Stacy

Answer

So yesterday I asked about a "bat in the cave". For those who don't know, it means there is a (for lack of a better term) booger hanging in your nostril.

We were actually in training on Friday when this very scenario took place. I ignored it. I get embarrassed way too easy to ever say something. The other girl I am training with let it go for about 10 minutes and then she finally stopped class and told him.

I am not sure who was more embarrassed the Dr or me. I was about 10 shades of red. Yes it was bothering me, but I just couldn't bring myself to say anything.

Had it been a patient day, I might have said something to stop him from embarrassing himself, but probably not. I probably would have said something to someone else to tell him.

Stacy

Question

So you are sitting in a meeting with your new boss. Learning lots of things that you need to know. Asking all the right questions. Taking notes and learning the ropes.

You stop to take a break. Get a drink, use the restroom, blow your nose.

After the break you get back to business and you notice a little something not right. There is a "bat in the boss's cave".

What do you do? Stop and tell him? Ignore it?

I'll let you know how it turned out after you tell me what you would do.

Stacy

M I A

Sorry for the delay in writing anything. I can't believe it has been over a week. I can't even tell you where the last week has gone.

We had a wonderful time at my mum's last weekend. There wasn't as much snow as we usually have so there wasn't any sled riding.

Little S had a great birthday party there.

His first present was from Great Mummum. A remote controlled tractor.

The next present was in a bag almost as big as him:

Always a goofy expression on his face.

He opened it and this was what was inside:

Are you catching the theme here? He loves tractors and diggers and such.

We went to the Community Church Saturday evening and it was a really nice service. As many years as we have been going there, we had never attended church there before. The people were really nice. They had just put on a new sanctuary and it was gorgeous.

I must admit though that I was a little nervous nelly when I let Litte S go to the nursery and childrens church.

We came home Sunday early afternoon as Tween and hubby had to practice for our Christmas program at church next Sunday.

Wednesday was my Mummum's birthday.

This week has been really busy at work. At least I am not bored anymore. And the long hours go by pretty fast as we are almost always busy.

Hope you have a great week.

Stacy

Classes and Travel

I took my CPR class today and passed with flying colors! I didn't miss one question. Yay Me! One class down and a million more to go...lol

We are packing up the car and heading out of town for a few days. The boyz and I are going to visit my Mum at her time share. We always have so much fun there.

We ride around through the resort and see a million deer. They are everywhere and you can get pretty close to them. I will try to take lots of pics.

There is also a sled riding hill so if there is snow, the boyz will be all over that. We have video from a few years ago that is so funny to watch. Hubby tried to go down the hill on a snow board and did not succeed. I wish I could transfer it onto the computer.

We are also celebrating Little S's birthday while we are there. He will be 5 on the 17th. We will have another party for him here later in the month. December really is all about Little S. One year it seemed everywhere we went he was getting a present for either his birthday or Christmas.

So have a nice weekend! Not sure I will make it on until Sunday evening!

Stacy

Happy Birthday Mum!

I have been blessed with a wonderful mother. She has always been supportive of us.

She had a hard life at times, but always made sure that my sister and I were taken care of.

She was a young widow, yet kept it together enough to take care of us.

When we fall apart she is there to help with the pieces.

She made sure that we were in church on Sundays, and at our Youth meetings. We were brought up to love God and trust Him.

She didn't always make it to all of our activities, but she was there for the important ones.

Thank you God for sending me to just the right mother for me.

Thank you Mum for the wonderful job you did raising us.

Stacy

When You Want....

Something done right, Do it Yourself.

This is one motto I am learning that I need to live by. I have tried delegating. I have tried asking. I have tried begging. Sometimes I get a response, but more times than not, I would have been better off had I done it myself.

Why is this such a hard lesson for me to learn?

And the saddest part of this is that I am talking about other adults. Not my children.

Stacy

Blessings & Real People

Can you believe it is December? Where did the year go? As I think back over the year, there have been a lot of changes here. If someone would have told me in January 08 that by the end of the year I would be working in an Orthodontic office and on patients not just in the office, I never would have believed them. Ever!

As much as I have felt drawn to a different profession in the past few years, I never thought I would actually make the change. I am all about comfort zones. And I was comfortable in an office. I knew what I was doing.

But I needed to learn something. If I could have, I would have loved to have been able to go back to school. I knew I wanted to work with people and I wanted it to be fast paced. I thought off and on about taking a class or two to become and EMT or Paramedic. I also considered working in a Nursing Home as a patient care assistant.

As I prayed, I would ask God to put me where he wanted me to be. I concentrated on Jeremiah 29:11 - 'I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'

I sent out resume after resume. I interviewed and interviewed. And nothing came of any of it. So I started answering any kind of ad. Trusting that God would take care of it.

I can't even begin to express how much I am enjoying my new job. Many times when you start a new job, you are timid the first few weeks or months until you learn the ropes and figure out how you can fit in. From day one I have been comfortable. I am myself. I love the girls that I work with. They all love what they are doing and love working together.

God is truly a loving God. And when you cast your cares to Him, He will answer you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 says 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

I let go and let God and He provided for me. Thank you again God for all that you do for me in Your time, not mine.


*Today at work they actually let me work on people instead of the dummies. While we were training on the dummies, they would tell us how much easier it was on people. They were so right. I only worked on two patients today, but tomorrow, I will be doing the majority in the morning. I can hardly wait.

Stacy

November 30

Today is the end of NaBloPoMo. It has been a lot of fun thinking of something to write everyday. But I am Thankful that it is over. It can also be a lot of work coming up with something every day.

Today we want to say:

to Grandpa Tony. Hope you had a nice day!

We have had a nice few days together here at home. Just hanging out with the kids can be fun when there isn't a million activities going on. I hope that Christmas is just as relaxed.

Stacy

November 29

Today I am Thankful for Creative Family Time.

Tonight we attempted to turn this:

Into this:

We have never made a gingerbread house before. Hubby saw it in the store today and thought it would be fun for me and the boyz to do. The boyz had so much fun that we may start doing this every year after Thanksgiving.

So after we repaired a few pieces that came broken we started putting it together.

We got the base all together and the boyz set about decorating it.

And our completed work of art looks like this:

By the way, the people in the front, those are SpongeBob, Patrick and Squidward.

Stacy

PS (to the 4F Group) - That is me in the picture with the boyz ;) hehe

November 28

As much fun as I have had this month being Thankful, I am glad that them month is almost over. I have had days where I could not think of anything to write. I was trying each day to write about something different.

Today I am Thankful for a PJ day. Although hubby and I did get up and get a few things this morning, we slept in until 8. We got a few things and then came home and just chilled all day. The kids never got out of their PJ's and I am already back in mine. The cashiers at K*Mart wore their PJ's to work today. It was neat and homey.

Last night we again sat and played games for a few hours at the table. There are many things I learn while playing games with the boyz. Some are things that I really didn't need to know. Like the following conversation:

Tween asked Teen to look under his (Tween's) arm and see if he had any hair there yet.

Teen for whatever reason went ahead and looked. Told him "no" and proceeded to lift his own arms and show off all the hair under his arms.

He then pulls up his shirt and says "Look, I even have hair on my chest and a happy trail".

I could not believe he just said that. It took me a few minutes to stop laughing before we could continue our game.

BOYZ! They never cease to amaze me with what they will say.

Stacy

November 27 - Happy Thanksgiving!

"The joy of enjoying
And the fullness of living

Are found in the heart

That is filled with thanksgiving."

~Helen Steiner Rice~

Today I am Thankful that I can open my home and have dinner with family and friends. As hectic as the holidays can be, I am glad when we can slow down for a little while and enjoy a meal together.

I hope that your day is filled with Love & Laughter!

I will leave you with this:

Stacy

November 26

Tomorrow is the big Turkey Day. We are having about 17 people here. Crazy Right?

Last night hubby made 2 pumpkin cheesecakes. Tonight he will make the regular pumpkin pies.

I have several favorite food that I love to have for the holiday. If I could have both hubby's family and my family here at the same time I would be in heaven filled with my favorite foods.

* My absolute favorite pie in the world is my Mum's Pumpkin pie.



My mum usually makes the pies from scratch. And when I say scratch, I mean fresh pumpkins bought on a farm that she has cleaned, baked and frozen herself. No canned pumpkin for her. She also makes the crust from scratch not frozen or pre-made shells.

In the past several years she has taken some shortcuts, but there is something different about her pies that I just love. I have never tasted any as good as hers or that even come close. It must be all the fresh ingredients that make it taste so good.

* The favorite thing that my Mother-in-law makes is her noodles.



The picture does not do them justice at all. I think she boils the noodles in the broth from the turkey. Let me tell you, they are the best noodles I have ever eaten. Holiday dinners on hubby's side just aren't complete without them.

* Hubby's brothers wife always brings Strawberry Pretzel Salad to dinner.



Need I say anything else about this?

I am Thankful for all of these favorite foods and more as we share a family meal together.

What is your favorite food(s) for Thanksgiving? You know, the one that you just have to have or it isn't the same.

Stacy

Updated to add the Following Recipe:

PRETZEL SALAD

2 CUPS CRUSHED PRETZELS
3/4 CUPS MELTED MARGARINE
4 TBSP. SUGAR

MIX AND PLACE IN 9x13 INCH PAN. BAKE AT 400 FOR 6 MINUTES. LET COOL

8 oz. CREAM CHEESE
1 CUP SUGAR
1 (16 oz) COOL WHIP

MIX TOGETHER AND SPREAD OVER COOLED CRUST.

6oz. STRAWBERRY JELLO
2 CUPS BOILING WATER
20 oz. FROZEN STRAWBERRIES

LET THICKEN, THEN POUR OVER CREAM CHEESE MIXTURE AND REFRIGERATE.

November 25

Today as I opened my Devotions in my email I read more about a program that my church has participated in for several years now.

Operation Christmas Child by Samaritan's Purse run by Franklin Graham (Billy Graham's son).

Here is a short video explaining what this program is:



I am Thankful for programs like this. It is such a great way to let those in the smallest poverty stricken places in the world that God loves them and so do other Christians.

Can you imagine being one of these children? And then to be given such a wonderful gift from someone you don't even know. What an amazing thing.

In my devotions today it talks about a child who when he opened his box he started to cry. One of the workers went over and noticed that his box was filled with socks and nothing else. So trying to comfort the child she told him that she would get him a different box. He shook his head no and pulled the box towards him. He had been diagnosed with a rare skin condition only on his feet and the doctors had told him that the only was it was going to heal was if he wore cotton socks. He had prayed and prayed for them and that is what he got.

We have had missionaries speak at our church about Operation Christmas Child and over and over again we hear stories like these about how prayers were answered in those boxes.

If you have time, please visit the links above. And if you can, make up a box and send it off to a child in need.

Stacy

November 24

This week is a short week at work. Boy am I Thankful for that. Some days I go in and I shadow train all day and I feel that I am learning something. Other days, like today, we work on the dummies most of the day and I don't feel like I can do a thing.

School is also short this week so I will get a couple extra days to spend with the boys. Maybe we can catch up on a few movies and play some board games.

Last night the five of us played Boggle together. I love Boggle. I think I could play it every night and not get tired of it. And playing with the boyz I learn new words also. They are good about writing something down they think might be a word and then we look it up and learn the meaning together.

We also played Scrabble Jr last night and Tween won. Which was a complete surprise to all of us. He is the smartest of us all, but he never wins board games. Good for him! I hope he keeps winning!

The play is finally over also, so we are getting a little more back into the routine and time together.

Is there a game that your family likes to play together?

Stacy

November 23

Today I took an afternoon nap and when I got up, my tree was up and decorated. Although I am Thankful that hubby was inspired to do it. I have a certain way I like things done. I imagine that I will tweak it just a bit on Wednesday when I am off and he is at work.

He did wait for me for a few special ornaments that we always put up together. For that I am happy.

This is part way through it being finished. It needs tweaked and pushed back in the corner yet.

We usually don't put our tree up until after Thanksgiving. Last year was the first time we put it up before the holiday. Since we have Thanksgiving here now, Hubby likes to have it up when everyone is here.

When do you put your tree up?

Stacy

November 22

Today is the final night of the high school play. Today I am Thankful that it will finally be over. After many late nights and long Saturday practices it is coming to an end.

The kids did a great job. The only problem is the mic system. The schools was not working for some reason so the drama department rented mic's and they keep cutting out on the kids. I feel so bad that they worked so hard for so long and then the audience can only hear part of the program.

I will add pictures in later.

Not much else is going on. I am studying for work. And actually feel that I am learning some things. We met with the doctor Friday and went over our books for a while. I was full of questions and with the answers have learned even more.

Stacy

November 21

I am Thankful today for the power of prayer. I can't go into a lot of detail, but we had a family incident yesterday with my sister. After learning of the problem, I called my church family and a few friends and they all started praying. By the time the prayers got to the end of the chain (within 3 hours), we had an answer.

I feel so blessed that I can call on my family and friends and almost immediately have a hundred people praying for me.

Today was also the Jr. High County Chorus performance. It was really nice and the kids did a great job.

In case you don't know what this is, they select the best singers from each school in the county. They practice weekly at their own school for about a month. Then on the day of the performance, they gather together and all sing for the first time. They of course practice all together in the morning and afternoon and then perform that evening. There was even one song that they all just learned today. I was impressed that they could all gather like this for just one day and be able to pull off such a great show. These kids are truly talented.

Stacy

November 20

Today I am Thankful for snow!

Yes - you read that right. We got our first snow that actually stuck around today. Everything is so beautiful when it is all white.

This isn't from my house, but it is beautiful.

Tonight is opening night for the High School play. Can't wait to see Teen in his debut!

Stacy

November 19

Today I am Thankful that I am starting to understand a few things at work. Today when the doctor was giving orders for the next treatment plan, I actually understood a few things.

Now if he would only speak a little louder and clearer.

What is it with doctors mumbling? Or is it just me?

We worked a lot on the dummy heads today and were timed. I had some good times for just starting out.

My CPR Cert class is set up for early December. That one shouldn't be too bad. I had my Cert forever and a day ago when I was in Girl Scouts.

Stacy

November 18

Today I am Thankful for the following:

And all other brands and types that make you feel better.

I am not sure which one of you lovely ladies out there decided to share their germs with me, but next time, no thank you.

Making this short and sweet as I am going to bed as soon as hubby gets back home with more medicine. I used the last of it this morning and it is wearing off and I am miserable.

For those of you I am playing scrabble with, I'll catch up soon. Sorry.

One more thing - A few of you had the right answer to FROG (Fully Rely On God).

Stacy

November 17

I got a package in the mail today. I have been eagerly anticipating it. Want to see what I got?

This is the plate I made at Louisville Stoneware on my trip. I am so excited that it is here. We all had such a blast making our plates. I can't wait to see everyone else's final project also.

I have to admit though that I wasn't excited about going at the get go. But I am so Thankful we went.

So why the Frog with the boyz names? Not too long ago we had a lesson at church about what Frog meant. The boyz and I really took that message home and I have little frog things here and there around the house. My master bath is done in frogs as well.

So does anyone care to guess what FROG stands for?

Stacy

November 16

There is something that my husband has always wanted to do and has never done.

Until now. Here is a hint:



Yes, it is freezing outside.
Yes, it is snowing like crazy at times.
Yes, my husband is at his first ever Pittsburgh Steelers game.

I have bid on tickets through ebay for him several times and have never been able to get them as the price goes way over my budget. Steelers tickets are some of the hardest tickets to get.

Today I am Thankful for friends with connections. One of our friends was given 2 tickets early in the week and called hubby and asked him if he wanted to go with him. All he needed was money for dinner.

I can not even tell you how blessed we have been lately. God is so Amazing and Good!

Stacy

November 15

Today I am Thankful for afternoon naps and funny cartoons.

I saw this on another site and just couldn't resist sharing it.




Stacy

November 14

Note to Self:

When deciding to take the boyz to a play at the local college, call ahead and make reservations. It does not matter that the college is small and it is a Friday night, you may have to sit on the couch in the reception area and wait until just before the play starts to see if they have seating for you.

However, I am Thankful that we did get seats. And some of the best in the house. Front row left of center.

We went to Westminster College and saw Once Upon A Mattress tonight. In case you have never heard of it, it is a stage adaption of The Princess and The Pea.

The kids did a great job. There were several little ones in the audience besides Little S. At one point the "Princess" had to kiss the Prince. The little girl behind us yells "Ewwww". It was so funny the audience just broke up and even the actors on stage started to laugh.

I am so glad the my boyz enjoy going to the theatre with me. I love to go and never thought that the boyz would want to go with me, but they enjoy it just as much as me.

Stacy

November 13

Today I am Thankful for my grandparents. I was blessed as a child to have 5 grandmothers and 2 grandfathers. Most children are lucky to have 2 grandmothers and 2 grandfathers so I know how blessed I was to have them all in my life.

Each of them touched me in a different way and I have many fond memories of each of them.

We have several pictures of 5 generations on my mothers side from when I was a baby and then again when my boys were babies. 5 generations. Can you believe it? And I was old enough when my great-great grandmother (Nana) died to remember her.

My children were also blessed with many grandparents and sadly we lost 3 of them in the past two years. They all actually died in just over a year. I still miss them so dearly. There are days when my heart just aches for them.

When the older boys were little they had 6 grandmothers and 4 grandfathers. Can you imagine our gatherings at times? lol

Do you have a favorite memory of a grandparent that you would like to share?

Stacy

November 12

So I started the new job today. I am exhausted and overwhelmed. There is SO much to learn. I have never worked in the healthcare field before, so this is all new to me. There are so many terms and equipment names to learn.

I think for every question and answer that I get I have 5 more questions. I have a huge text book to learn and several pages of codes.

But I am Thankful for again having a place of employment. There are so many in the area here that are still unemployed and currently being laid off that I am blessed to have gotten this position.

God surely does work in mysterious ways. I had been applying to office positions for the past month and a half, had been signed up with 2 different Temp services and went on countless interviews and Nothing.

I had prayed that God would put me in a position where I would be able to work with people. especially either the elderly or children. For a while now I have felt that I was not in the place that God wanted me to be.

Although I am very overwhelmed at the time, I know that this is where God wants me. The doctor is so nice, he is a Christian, and is dedicated to the local community and the people of El Salvador.

Thank you again for all of the prayer support that all of you have given me.

Stacy

November 11

Today I continue to be Thankful for my trip.

Saturday morning we got up early as we had an appointment at Louisville Stoneware. Our appointment wasn't until 10:00 but there were 6 of us girls to get showered, dressed and eat breakfast.

We all had a great time making our pottery piece. Here is a preview of mine:

They will fire it and ship it within the next two weeks. I can't wait to see the final product.

They had a whole section dedicated to their history. It was really neat looking at some of their original pieces. There were also pictures of pieces that they had made especially for several past presidents as well as a whole series for Hillary Clinton's book "It Takes A Village". One piece that especially caught my eye was one that the employees had made after the tradgedy of September 11.

As we were finishing up, Dory's hubby and girls stopped by to have lunch with us. We walked over to The Cafe and had lunch. They have some really good food there.

After lunch we drove to Churchill Downs to take in a few races and walk around. I don't think any of us had ever been to horse races before. It was a lot of fun. We all placed a small bet on a race and a few of us even won.

Later in the evening we went to Fourth Street Live. It was a really neat experience. They block of part of the street and there is all kinds of restaurants and entertainment to take in. There is even an outdoor escalator. They have connected the buildings together with a glass ceiling so you can walk around in any weather.

We then had dinner at Hard Rock Cafe which was in the Fourth Street Live area.

We went back to the hotel and continued to laugh until we ached.

Sadly the next morning we all had to catch our flights home. I am so glad that I finally got to make my "fake" friends real friends and Can. Not. Wait. until we can get together again.

Stacy